News
C-suites stepping down
innocent COO departs after two decades
After more than 20 years, Davenport has announced he will be leaving innocent Drinks this June, where he serves as chief operating officer, responsible for leading finance, business operations, technology strategy, programme management, and governance.
His journey at the smoothie brand began in 2003 as head of finance, and he has been a key player in the business as it grew from a small West London start-up to a business with operations in more than 18 markets and 800 employees.
“I started with innocent back in 2003 when we were selling a small range of smoothies in the UK. We are now on sale across most of Europe with our own factory making our drinks,” Davenport said.
“It has been an absolute privilege to know millions of people buy our drinks every week, enabled by the efforts of the many excellent people who I have been lucky to work with. I’m looking forward to spending time with my family over Summer and exploring my next career move.”
Nick Canney, CEO of innocent, thanked Davenport for his ‘significant contribution’ over the last two decades, adding: “During his tenure, the business has undergone incredible expansion and transformation, and James’ leadership has played a pivotal role in this 50-fold increase in the revenue of the company over this time. At innocent we celebrate our leavers for the part they played in leaving things better than they found them and James can certainly say this with great confidence, we wish him well as he joins the talented list of innocent alumnae."
Tate & Lyle CFO heads for pastures new
Elsewhere, Tate & Lyle has announced its chief financial officer’s departure.
Dawn Allen who has only been with the company for two years, is set to take up a role at Haleon plc as its CFO.
She’ll remain with the ingredients company until this October to close our Tate & Lyle’s half-year results ending 30 September 2024 and to support in the transition of a replacement.
The board is now seeking a successor to fill her boots, with an update to follow in due course.
Commenting on the news, Tate & Lyle CEO, Nick Hampton said: “Dawn has played a key role in maintaining strong financial discipline across the business, and leaves behind a proven team that will continue to support the delivery of our growth-focused strategy.
“We wish her every success in the next stage of her career.”
